Bali

This tiny island is a hub of activity and creativity, a place of both great spirituality and a spot to simply kick back and relax

Bali’s rice terraces, secluded beaches, perfect waves, colourful marine life, towering volcanoes and fascinating Hindu culture mean it serves up something for just about everyone. Soak up the sun or ride the swell off the beaches of Canggu, Nusa Dua or Uluwatu. Breathe deeply and connect with your inner self while doing Vrksasana yoga poses in Ubud or plunge into the hot spring at the foot of Batur Mountain in Kintamani. Go diving and be amazed at the corals, sea turtles and even pelagic fish around Tulamben, Nusa Penida or Menjangan Island. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to catch a magical sunset while sipping cocktails on the beach in Kuta or Seminyak.

When to go

Located on the equator, Bali enjoys sunshine just about all year round, especially in the coastal areas. The rainy season from October to March means it tends to rain for just a few hours a day, though cloudy skies may last longer. Temperatures dip as you head towards the mountains of central Bali.

The annual Kite Festival takes place in July. And all year long, you’re likely to stumble on Balinese Hindu religious ceremonies, held to celebrate almost every aspect of life – if you’re lucky, you might even witness the famed Ngaben/Pelebon cremation ceremony, which tends to involve thousands of people.

Flying with Jetstar

Jetstar flies direct to Bali from Singapore, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns* and Brisbane. There are also flights linking Bali to other cities in Australia and New Zealand.

*Direct flights between Cairns and Bali are due to commence on 29 March 2015, and are subject to government and regulatory approval.

Getting around

Aside from the Sarbagita bus and several privately owned shuttle buses, there’s no reliable public transportation in Bali. The most convenient way to get around is to hire a private car and driver, the fee for which is charged by the day (for 8-10 hours). You can also rent a scooter and motor around like a true local for just IDR50,000 per day.

Airport information

CBD 13km

Travel time 15 minutes

Taxi Approx IDR70,000-90,000

Things to do

The deep end

Take the speedboat from Sanur Beach to Nusa Lembongan. The island, along with neighboring Nusa Ceningan, is a genuine hidden gem, with the clearest turquoise waters you’re likely to find. Relax on a sun lounger at Dreamland Beach or dive into the waters of Blue Lagoon at Nusa Ceningan. You can also scuba dive around neighbouring Nusa Penida, famous for sightings of mola-mola (ocean sunfish) from about July to September.

Have a rice day

Take a short drive from Ubud to enjoy lunch while gazing out upon the Tegalalang rice terraces. Then head to Kintamani to take a dip in the Batur Natural Hotsprings next to Batur Lake and enjoy the breathtaking sight of Batur Volcano.

Inner meaning

Give meditation a try or do a bit of yoga in the rice fields of Ubud. Dragonfly Village offers various retreat packages at a facility that’s equipped with a saltwater pool and a sauna.

Town of plenty

Take a trip to eastern Bali and visit Tirta Gangga, an age-old water garden. Drop in at nearby Tenganan Village, where you can experience what kampong life was like in the era before Hinduism took hold here. Watch the annual Mekare-kare (pandan-leaf war), held every year during the fifth month according to the Balinese calendar, and learn more about the painstaking process of making Gringsing woven cloth. Pieces can take years to produce.

The meal thing

Head over to Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran, where you’ll find rows of restaurants with seaside dining areas. Choose your own fish/crab/prawns and have it prepared the way you like. Feel the cool breezes, marvel at the sound of crashing waves and take in a Balinese dance performance while you dine.